There are few other modes of travel that are as pure as human-power, efficient enough to let you cover a vast area in such a short period of time, yet slow enough that you can take in all the beauty.

In the depths of mountains, snow floats down all around you, the sun peaks through the clouds ever so slightly, sharing its warmth. Then as you get to the top of the climb, you look out towards where you're going. You pause to enjoy the view, then push down one pedal stroke after another to build up momentum. The time for soaking it all in is over, now you will braaappp a well-earned braaappp.